All things NYR.

Blog

In the first period the Rangers came out fast with a lot of aggression, similar to the last game. Holden put us in the board first with a smart play in front of Anderson. Lindberg scored a pair of goals (both off of Tanner the man Glass’ hard working plays) in the second period. He continues to produce in the playoffs. In the third period, Kreider was scored on a power play, a much needed goal for him and hopefully this one gets him going. The senators scored a goal late in the third to break Henrik’s shutout, but it wouldn’t be nearly enough as the Rangers road the 4-1 score all the way to the finish. Before the end of the game the senators started to get scrappy with the rangers, but the rangers held their own and that made the senators look silly. There was more action in the final minute of play than in wrestling on Monday Night Raw.

Tanner Glass has been amazing for the Rangers and continues to prove he’s more than everyone says he is. Lindberg needs to be given power play time in my opinion, he has been great and has proven his skill throughout the season. Our defense has been almost perfect these last couple of games also including Henrik. Skjei and smith have proven to be a strong duo. Girardi has stepped his game up in the playoffs, even more than in the regular season. He’s blocked a lot of key shots, despite him struggling with a swollen ankle. The Rangers’ staff cut a hole in his skate so he could still play, if that doesn’t show determination and passion for his team, then I don’t know what does. Now it’s down to a 3 game series as we go back to Ottawa on Saturday. The Rangers have pushed back, now it’s time to take over. Great game boys!

The New York Rangers win 4-1 in Game 3 to cut Ottawa’s series lead in half at 2-1.

In a game that was virtually a “must win” for the Blueshirts, the Rangers came out with the perfect level of speed, skill, and grit (thanks Tanner Glass). With one lineup change (Glass for Buchnevich) and d-pair TOI changes (Staal/Holden getting 3rd pair minutes) AV tried to fire this team up and it seemed to work. From the get-go, the Rangers were fore-checking like a team possessed and Mika Zibanejad was leading that charge. He was buzzing all over the ice creating opportunities and for a good while in this game, his line didn’t see time in the defensive zone because they controlled the bulk of play while on the ice. Because of this, they got the Rangers on the board first with a nice series of passes from Girardi to Mika, to Zuccarello. The small in stature guy, Zucc, has been making a big impact these entire playoffs and it continued to show tonight. After the first goal, the Rangers had the Garden rocking and Grabner wanted to join the offense. Craig Anderson who is known for his ability, or lack thereof, to play the puck came up with a costly giveaway for Grabner to wrap around and give the Rangers the dreaded 2-goal lead.

Tensions were high after this based on the bad taste Game 2 left in all Rangers players and fans’ mouths but the team from Broadway blanked the team from Canada’s capital in the 1st 20 minutes. Everyone knew the Rangers needed to keep the pedal to the metal and keep the offensive pressure and in the beginning of the 2nd it looked like that was happening. A little more than midway through the middle frame, Nash and Stepan were involved in a 2-on-1 after Karlsson collided with another forward, and Nash continued his dominance and netted a nifty shot off of Anderson giving the Rangers a 3-0. About 6 minutes later it was JT Miller, who was demoted to the 4th line with Oscar Lindberg and Tanner Glass, who created something out of nothing and gave Lindberg a nice pass at the doorstep for a tap in. 4-0 Good guys. Lindberg has been quietly great this entire post season and it was good to see him get his first career playoff goal…boy did he deserve it.

A few minutes before the end of the 2nd, Ottawa managed to break through and get one past Henrik Lundqvist…so it was 4-1 at the end of two. Coming out for the 3rd, people were still holding their breaths because they just wanted the Rangers to have a solid final 20 minutes. The final period was a little shaky, there were some mixed penalties here and there (Rangers went 0-fer on their PP attempts…shocking I know) but more importantly the Rangers’ penalty kill stepped up and didn’t give the Senators PP any good looks. The game came to an end with the Blueshirts’ victory. Here’s to hoping the same Rangers team shows up for Game 4 at the Garden.

*Notes…Bobby Ryan left the game for a few minutes after taking a Karlsson shot to the thigh and Zack Smith left the game early in the 1st and did not return after taking a hit from both Glass and Miller.

**Tanner Glass was quoted as saying “Everyone on your team hates you and you know it” to Zack Smith…which, in my opinion, is what I love about Glass. He gets his role.

The Rangers blew this game and it was bad. There are so many things that happened last night that are just disappointing. Our power play continues to be nonexistent- seriously we have more short handed goals this series than we do power play goals. The power play lines need to be shaken up completely because it’s not working. The Rangers were up 5-3 with 3 minutes left in the game and allowed the Senators to tie the game and take it to overtime. Not only is that inexcusable in a regular season game, but in the playoffs it’s absolutely pathetic.

I have always defended Alain Vigneault from the start, but I can’t defend his deployment of players in that game. Brady Skjei was without a doubt our best player last night and saw second to last ice time, just in front of his partner Smith for defensemen, who was probably the second best defenseman last night. The pairing of Holden and Staal has started to become nothing but a problem, yet Alain Vigneault continues to put them out there in crucial moments of the game, or give them more minutes then the Skjei/Smith pairing. They need to quickly wake up, and no longer just the players. I still believe in our Blueshirts and think they can get it done at home. Our backs are against the wall now and the Rangers have done well in that position in the past, let’s show people what we can do. Let’s go Rangers!

In the first period the Senators came out strong, as they had over 20 shots on Henrik. Although there were many opportunities for Ottawa to score, the first goal didn’t happen until the second when McDonagh put us on the boards on the power play. The game continued to be back and forth until the Senators were about to tie the game with a power play goal of their own. The senators were able to score a goal from a terrible angel to take the lead late in the 3rd. Despite a 6 on 4 in the end the Rangers couldn’t tie the game.

I don’t know what this team needs to do to realize it’s the playoffs. Sometimes they look effortless in certain situations. I’m not sure why the Rangers continue to look clueless on the power play. A lot of key guys have gone missing this postseason. Slacking off like that is not going to cut it. The only Ranger who doesn’t need to step it up is Henrik. He continues to be amazing. Henrik doesn’t deserve to lose a game like that. We need more effort then that boys, much more. Let’s wake up on Saturday!

In the first period the Rangers came out sluggish, and had some bad turn overs. Emelin was able to put Montreal on the board 6:19 into the first. In the second period the Rangers woke up and started to control the puck. Zuccarello scored a power play goal 2:26 into the second, to tie the game 1-1. Then 13:31 into the second Zuccarello scored the game wining goal after a beautiful passing play by Hayes and Miller. Then in the third Stepan scored the empty netter to seal the game and win the series for the Rangers!

Hen-rik, Hen-rik, Hen-rik! He was amazing this series and is definitely the Rangers MVP so far. Age is just a number to the king. Zuccarello also continues to play an amazing game. He fights for every inch of the ice, and put the Rangers on his back tonight with the huge 2 goals. The Rangers showed a physical side this series that hasn’t been seen by them in a while. The physicality mixed with our speed was too much for the Canadiens in the end. MOVING ON TO ROUND 2! LETS GO BABY!!

The Rangers vs. Montreal Game 5 was scheduled to start at ~7pm eastern but apparently no one told the Rangers. The puck was dropped and the Blueshirts looked EXTREMELY lifeless. They couldn’t complete more than 2 passes in a row and they barely could get out of their own zone for a majority of the first frame. The Canadiens scored a goal on a wraparound caused by Staal turning the puck over behind the net. This was one that Henrik should’ve had (maybe), but he honestly looked extremely uncomfortable in the first period. He was fighting the puck for all 20 minutes and it was alarming and concerning to everyone. Then a little later, the Canadians were given a Power Play which Mika Zibanejad set up Jesper Fast for a SWEET short-handed goal. Fast was on his way to the ice when he slipped the puck through Price’s five-hole (seems to be his kryptonite)… 1-1. But as the PP was winding down, the Canadiens retook the lead. 2-1 after the first 20 minutes. Another note from this period was Andrew Shaw and Brendan Smith fighting after there was another pileup on Hank in the crease. Thankfully Smith was taking none of Shaw’s crap tonight.

The Rangers continued their lackadaisical play for a majority of the 2nd period but they picked up steam when Rick Nash drove to the net (again) and created a nice rebound opportunity for Brady Skjei for his 2nd goal of the playoffs. Somehow, someway, the Blueshirts were tied 2-2. This gave the team some hope moving forward. The teams were deadlocked for the rest of the 2nd and for the entire 3rd period. The few players that stood out all game for New York Rangers were on the 4th line, Rick Nash and Pavel Buchnevich. The rest of the team was MIA which gave many fans concern.

Aside from the players… the referees were once again AWFUL in this game. They kept “missing” calls left and right. Smith and Nash were again getting mugged all game, Oscar Lindberg was hit high with an elbow from Shaw and he had to leave the game for a little while, due to the leagues concussion protocol. Luckily Lindberg returned as he was very important to the Rangers in this game even though he didn’t get on the score sheet. These refs really need to be evaluated closely by the league…they were terrible.

At the start of Overtime…the Rangers quickly put the pedal to the metal and started flying. Majority of the play was in the Canadiens’ zone. Chris Kreider AND Zuccarello came dangerously close to ending the game, but could not beat Price. Kreider whiffed on a shot at the doorstep but he redeemed himself with ~5 minutes left in the first OT when he had his shot deflected right to Zibanejad who was racing to the net. Zibanejad quickly got his stick on the ice and put the puck past Price for the win.

The Rangers play an even game against Montreal in the first. However, 11:39 into the first period, Fast put the rangers on the board. There were a lot of missed penalties, that weren’t called by the referees. I think officiating needs to be more consistent and fair for each team. 18:37 into the first Mitchell was able to tie the game for the Canadiens. The Rangers came into the second period playing a much stronger game. The second was their best period since game 1. Montreal didn’t get a shot on goal until halfway through the second period. 4:28 into the second Nash scored the game winning goal after a beautiful play and pass by McDonagh. The Rangers started to play a more defensive game in the third to try to hold on to the lead. Henrik played a strong game too and definitely kept us in this.

The rangers were playing with a lot of intensity tonight. This game was a huge one and a must win in my opinion. Nash had a great game as always and probably could’ve had a few more goals if it wasn’t for the nice saves by price. Smith was an absolute warrior tonight, and should have been credited with drawing 3 penalties tonight, but it seemed like the referees were blind. Smith has been huge for us in this series and may be our best defenseman. Henrik has been solid as a brick wall the entire series. A great game tonight and a HUGE win to tie the series. We go back to Montreal on Thursday. We play better on the road so it should be another Nail Biter. Let’s have faith in our Blueshirts!

In the first the Rangers (besides Henrik) did nothing. The Canadiens were able to score 7:37 into the second period on a power play goal by Lehkonen, the Rangers (besides Henrik) also did nothing in the second period. 7:42 into the third Weber was able to score another power play goal to go up 2-0. 15:37 into the third Radulov scored to make it 3-0. As you might have guessed the Rangers (besides Henrik) did nothing also in the third. Thankfully, Brady Skjei was able to score late to make it 3-1. It came a little too late as there were only 3 minutes left in regulation.

This is going be a short recap because I’m very upset at the effort the rangers put forth tonight at home, Henrik was the only player who had a good game tonight. Henrik was actually awesome tonight. He can’t do it all by himself. This game was sad and other then our king there is nothing positive to say about tonight. All of the same critiques and corrections are the same, they need to apply them now. We have to forget this one and come to play in game 4. Do this for Lundqvist, boys.

Unlike game 1, the Rangers started off the game playing sloppy. They weren’t playing smart and couldn’t help Henrik as much. Henrik’s stick was broken by Montreal’s Gallagher, and our goalie without a stick, the Canadiens were able to score first. Thankfully Grabner put us on the boards from a beautiful breakaway to tie the game with an unassisted goal. Montreal’s Byron takes the lead again. Both defensemen, Staal and Holden were behind the net which left our opponents open.

In the second period, Holden plays a long pass to Vesey and he passes to Nash right in front of Carey Price, which allows him to bank one in top shelf. Late in the third Zuccarello positions himself at the top of the net, and Smith passes him the puck to take the 3-2 lead. The momentum started to change, but still the Rangers didn’t have too much of a handle on their play. Early in the third we were already playing a more defensive game. The Canadiens were getting more shots on net, but Henrik was keeping us in the game. 17 seconds left in the game, the Canadiens tie the game. The defensive playing wasn’t going to last forever, with how sloppy the Rangers were playing.

In Overtime, the Rangers were obviously tired. They were in their own zone for most of the period. With a minute left in the first Overtime, the Canadiens score to tie the playoff series 1-1. The Rangers should’ve won this game, they were 17 seconds away from a 2-0 series lead. Henrik Lundqvist was playing sharp, but the defense was sloppy and the offense had lackluster play. We bring the series home to Madison Square Garden, tied at 1-1. Hopefully they boys in blue can pull a win out for the home crowd. I’ll always believe in them. Let’s go Rangers!

In the first period all of the adrenaline was full force, and the teams were going back and fourth hammering each other, and fighting for every puck. 9:50 into the first Tanner Glass… yes I said Tanner Glass scored the first goal of the 2017 playoffs off of a beautiful back hand snipe. After that it was hard nosed hockey all the way to the third period. Time was winding down and the Canadiens pulled price for the extra skater. At 18:50 into the third Grabner scored the empty netter. Game one in the books.

The best player on the ice, hands down tonight, was Henrik Lundqvist. He was amazing tonight with his shutout and continues to prove he is still an elite goaltender. You better buy a lottery ticket if you predicted Tanner Glass scoring the first goal of the playoffs, by a backhanded snipe on Price, none the less. It was a great game for him proving nay Sayers wrong. Girardi was using his body a lot, hammering hits around the ice and had a wonderful game. Smith also looked very solid on defense tonight. The 4th line of Glass, Lindberg, and Fast was the best line tonight and a huge part of why we took game one. Big game one victory on the road boys! Let’s take it to game 2 and put the pressure on them going back to the Garden!

Apr 23, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi (5) twarms up before playing the Pittsburgh Penguins in game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Apr 19, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period of game three of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. The Penguins defeated the Rangers 3-1 to take a two games to one lead in the best of seven series. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 13, 2016; New York, NY, USA; The New York Rangers salute their fans before an opening night game against the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports